Assessing the prevalence of Staphylococcus Aureus on selected foods sold by street vendors in selected slums around Makerere University

Abstract

80% of food-borne infections result from street foods according to the Centre of Disease Control and prevention (CDC). Given the dusty tumac roads in Nakulabye, Kikoni, and Bwaise, street salads and fruits stand a high risk of contamination. This study examined food handling practices, hygienic statuses of vendors and vending sites, and microbial contamination in cabbage salads and fruits sold by street vendors in areas around Makerere University. Four samples were bought from each area using simple random sampling technique and microbial analysis was done from food microbiology laboratory, Department of Food Technology and Human Nutrition, Makerere University. Qualitative data was obtained through a questionnaire with the vendors plus direct observation of the vendors’ food handling practices, personal hygiene and the hygienic status at the sites. The total mean S. Aureus counts of all the samples in Nakulabye, Kikoni and Bwaise were 5.3x104 cfu/g, 6.7x104 cfu/g and 8.3x104 cfu/g respectively. All mean counts were higher than UNBS recommended limits of 102 cfu/g or ml for S. Aureus counts in ready to eat foods. On analysis with ANOVA in excel, the mean deviations were significant at P=0.05 confidence limit. From this observation, the null hypothesis was rejected, concluding that street cabbage salads and fruits in areas around Makerere University were contaminated with Staphylococcus Aureus. The study revealed that 43% of the vendors had visibly dirty clothes, 80% never had aprons, 67% had dirty and long finger nails. 83% used the same knife to cut fruits for different customers, 73% never washed the cutting board and knife throughout the day, 40% cut and kept salads and fruits aside waiting for customers, and 60% cleaned fruits with clean water before selling them to customers. Food handlers should have the necessary knowledge and skills to enable them handle food hygienically. Many studies have reported that due to lack of proper knowledge and guidance on street food vending, vendors prepared their foods in explicitly unhygienic and unsanitary conditions. From the results, street cabbage salads and fruits in areas around Makerere University were contaminated with Staphylococcus Aureus. In such areas with majority population constituting students, who largely depend on street foods for survival, food safety has to be ascertained.